Jeonju

1. Overview of ATMs in Jeonju

Jeonju, a charming city known for its traditional Hanok Village and rich cultural heritage, is well-equipped with modern banking facilities, including ATMs. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, especially in key areas frequented by tourists, such as:

• Jeonju Hanok Village: ATMs are located near major tourist attractions, convenience stores, and banks.
• Downtown Jeonju (Gaeksa area): A bustling area with shopping streets, restaurants, and cafes, where ATMs are plentiful.
• Bus Terminals and Train Stations: Jeonju Express Bus Terminal and Jeonju Station have ATMs for travelers.
• Convenience Stores: Chains like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven often have ATMs that operate 24/7.

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2. International Withdrawal Options

Not all ATMs in Jeonju accept foreign cards, so it’s important to look for specific ATMs that support international transactions. Here’s what you need to know:

ATMs That Support International Cards

• Global ATMs: Look for ATMs with the "Global" or "International" sign, which usually display logos for Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, or UnionPay.
• Bank ATMs: Major Korean banks like KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and Hana Bank typically have ATMs that accept foreign cards. These are often labeled as "Global ATMs."
• Convenience Store ATMs: Many convenience store ATMs also support international cards, but they may have lower withdrawal limits and higher fees compared to bank ATMs.

Languages

Most Global ATMs offer an English-language interface, and some also provide options in Chinese, Japanese, and other languages. Look for a language selection button when you start the transaction.

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3. Currency and Fees

South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Here’s what you need to know about currency and fees when withdrawing cash in Jeonju:

Currency Exchange Rates

• The exchange rate you receive will depend on your home bank and the ATM operator. Typically, the rate is close to the mid-market rate, but it may include a small markup.
• To get the best exchange rate, avoid ATMs that offer "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC). This feature allows you to withdraw in your home currency instead of KRW, but it often comes with unfavorable rates.

Withdrawal Fees

• ATM Operator Fee: Most ATMs charge a small fee for international withdrawals, usually between 3,000 and 5,000 KRW (approximately $2–$4 USD).
• Your Bank’s Fee: Your home bank may also charge an international transaction fee or foreign currency conversion fee. Check with your bank before traveling.
• Daily Withdrawal Limits: ATMs in South Korea typically have a daily withdrawal limit of 1,000,000 KRW (about $750 USD), but this may vary depending on the ATM and your bank.

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4. How Tourists Can Withdraw Cash

Here’s a step-by-step guide for withdrawing cash from an ATM in Jeonju:

1. Locate a Global ATM: Look for an ATM at a bank branch, convenience store, or major tourist area with the "Global" or "International" sign.
2. Insert Your Card: Insert your debit or credit card into the ATM.
3. Select Language: Choose your preferred language (English is widely available).
4. Enter Your PIN: Input your 4-digit PIN. Note that some ATMs may not accept PINs longer than 4 digits, so check with your bank if your PIN is longer.
5. Choose Transaction Type: Select "Withdrawal" and then "Checking" or "Savings" (depending on your account type).
6. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to withdraw in KRW. Be mindful of the ATM’s withdrawal limits.
7. Confirm Fees: The ATM will display any applicable fees. Confirm to proceed.
8. Collect Cash and Receipt: Take your cash and receipt. Double-check the amount before leaving.

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5. Practical and Cultural Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Practical Tips

• Carry Some Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted in Jeonju, smaller establishments, street food vendors, and traditional markets may only accept cash.
• Check ATM Availability: Some ATMs, especially those in banks, may not operate 24/7. Convenience store ATMs are a reliable option for late-night withdrawals.
• Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being flagged for suspicious activity.
• Have a Backup Card: Carry a second card in case your primary card is lost, stolen, or doesn’t work.

Cultural Tips

• Queue Etiquette: If there’s a line for the ATM, wait patiently and give the person ahead of you some privacy.
• Respect for Cash: South Koreans generally handle cash with care. Avoid crumpling or mishandling banknotes, as this may be seen as disrespectful.
• Small Denominations: When withdrawing cash, try to get smaller denominations (1,000 KRW or 5,000 KRW notes) for easier use in markets and taxis.

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6. Alternatives to ATMs

If you encounter issues with ATMs or prefer not to use them, here are some alternatives:

• Currency Exchange Counters: Located at Jeonju Station, bus terminals, and some banks. Exchange rates may vary, so compare rates before exchanging.
• Credit Cards: Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, some smaller businesses may only accept cash.
• Mobile Payment Apps: South Korea is highly advanced in mobile payments, but these services (e.g., KakaoPay, Naver Pay) typically require a Korean bank account.

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7. Emergency Situations

If your card is lost or stolen:

• Contact your bank immediately to block the card.
• Use a backup card or visit a currency exchange counter for cash.
• Major banks in Jeonju, such as KB Kookmin Bank or Shinhan Bank, may offer assistance to tourists in such situations.

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By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to handle cash withdrawals and manage your finances while exploring Jeonju. Enjoy your trip and don’t forget to try the city’s famous bibimbap and street food!